Alma Dance Theater presents “Only Ladies Sing the Blues” at the Banyan Bowl Amphitheater at Pinecrest Gardens on Friday, February 6th. “Only Ladies Sing the Blues” is a gendered performance that takes its cue from the wide range of music created by women. Choreographed by Marissa Alma Nick, the work incorporates music by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Lila Downs, Mama Cass, Bjork, and Billie Holiday among other female artists. I spoke briefly with Nick yesterday about the work and what it means to her.

Alma Dance Theater, “Only Ladies Sing the Blues.”

Neil de la Flor: Where does the soul of this work come from? Marissa Alma Nick: Well, to be honest, I just lost my Grandma Jean (whom I was very close with) on the 3rd day of 2015. Then I had ScreenDance Miami to direct, and a performance for Filmgate to create (back to back). And now here we are, just one month after my grandmother has passed… and I’ve been asked to create a show. To be honest, the soul of this show are the dancers – and at the very heart of this show is most certainly my grandmother.

ND: Why the focus between dance and music? MN: The show opens with a piece that honors the poetic connection between music and dance. That piece was honestly created because I felt so numb emotionally one month ago… and the only thing that could move me was the music and any open space that I could dance in. Then the second piece in the show, that I am actually performing in, is a tribute to my Abuela Maria, who is still alive (living with dementia) and who hasn’t returned to her home in Cuba since 1959.

ND: The evening is actually a compilation of several shorter works, e.g. “Te Amo Mi Amor,” that explore multiple themes–dementia, identity, immigration. Can you talk a bit about how these works connect? MN: I have been re-exploring this concept about her for two years now in a piece known as “Abuela.” I gave it a new title, “Te Amo Mi Amor,” because the piece is now focusing more on her experience as someone who has experienced immigration, and longs for the home where their heart is. The show closes with a piece I premiered in the Miami Design District: “Daydreaming With Jean.” I couldn’t help but re-stage this piece for a proscenium stage (a 500-seat amphitheater) with having just lost my Grandmother Jean… plus the piece is such a celebration of her vivid and joyful spirit – something I believe is worth sharing. This is a show that finds a connection between all three pieces through moments of subtle gestures and key dramatic connections.

ND: The dancers, how do they bring the show to life? MN: The dancers are truly inspiring to work with in a show that demands so much power and quick decision making. They are intelligent, courageous, beautiful and dynamic performers. When I say they are the soul of this show, I mean it. Watching them perform is truly a reflection of the soul in motion, and for any show, that’s all I ever want. But especially this one. At some point we all experience loss in some form, and what better way to express the language of the soul than through dance?

“Only Ladies Sing the Blues” will be performed on Friday, February 6th at 8 p.m. at the Pinecrest Gardens Banyan Bowl Amphitheater, 11000 Red Rd., Miami; 305-669-6990. Tickets are $10. For more information, visit www.almadancetheater.com.